Christmas almond bars?

Well, sort of.

I love love loved the fudgy almond bars that I saw on Marijke’s blog a while back (recipe here) and I also saw a fab recipe for gluten free raw chistmas bites on delicious alchemy. I have been wondering if I could combine the two, to make Christmassy bars.

Excuse the action shot that seems to be rather blurry!

First up I toasted 2 cups of almonds, for about 10 mins. Then I blitzed them in the food processor with 1 cup mixed dried fruit and 3 cups dates. Then I added 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate, cinnamon and allspice, and a pouch of maple almond butter.

Then I poured this mixture onto a lined brownie pan, and squashed it down a lot.

Then topped it with some marzipan stars. I was wondering if I could use marzipan in the mix instead of the chocolate- I might try that next time.

They need to be wrapped up and stored in the fridge I think, and they are pretty tasty. I think some lemon zest or something like that would add to it, but they have the seasonal flavours that I like. Also could do with more marzipan! 🙂

I stopped by Sweatshop yesterday to spend one of the vouchers;

I got a fluorescent vest to wear over the top of running clothes- should make me feel safer when I am out running in the dark now.

I also made the chocolate brownies again (the bag is for Bronagh as she won a prize on my giveaway), and this time added some soaked dried cherries to them. But the batteries were not working in the camera (well, needed charging) and I was going to take photos to go along with the recipe. Ah well I will have to make them again- shame! I took the rest to work (well, I saved me and Andy one each) and they went down a treat- I was even told I should sell them! Not sure where though 🙂

I am glad the weekend is here- I have lots of pottering around to do which I am really looking forward to!

The bars look brilliant – love the marzipan stars – and I reckon lemon zest added would be delicious; the citrus/spice combo is always a winner!
Have a good weekend; I’ve just had two days off and spent most of it pottering, it’s always good 🙂

Jessica you are too kind! Although Andy says I should look into selling things, but it looks a bit complicated as you have to have certificates from the local authority and things. 🙂
Lara- maybe you need a head torch? I agree the unlit bits are really hard though.
I am feeling the marzipan love here 🙂

Anything that features marzipan is a winner in my book, not just cause I like it but James loves it too. When I was little I used to raid the cupboards and just pull pieces out of the box to snack on! I have a nice relaxed weekend, hope you have a good one!